How to Choose an Engagement Ring for Your Proposal – Buying Guide

If you’re here, hopeful in mind and will, looking for tips to get started on the BIG DAY, well congratulations! It is one thing to fall in love, but it is definitely something else to be married to the person you love. Keeping in mind the sanctity and importance of this occasion, it is a huge task deciding on the perfect engagement ring that your fiancé-to-be would love as much as they love you (or maybe more). We should not assume that one suits all when it comes to rings that to-be wife or to-be husband will wear for the rest of their lives. Hence, we bring to you some quirks and insights to help pick the best ring for your proposal!

1. SET YOUR BUDGET

Before starting the magnanimous hunt for the perfect ring, it is advisable to contain your expectations within a realistic budget. Since buying a ring that lasts for a lifetime, and even later as a family heirloom, is a considerable expense, one must not go beyond the financial capabilities to afford it. Price guides that offer varying estimates of how much a ring should cost are set by sellers and merchants. Instead of following them blindly, one must set their own conditions for the ring, including the preferences of your ‘would be’. Who doesn’t like a big diamond on their ring finger but sometimes the most minimalistic ring can capture the essence of your emotion better.

2. CHOOSE A STYLE OR SHAPE

While selecting from the wide array of shapes and styles, it is important to consider rings from the point of view of your partner. Knowing how they want their diamond to be shaped as can help in shortlisting the rings from different sellers. Each one is shaped differently and thus, the prices vary. Round cuts are more expensive than pear and marquise. Having some idea of the styles in mind is a helpful trick. If size is your consideration, then adding more carats to the ring can enhance the style. But be sure not to blindly follow what’s in the trend. This area requires the most customization and should be worth the money you spend on it. Vintage styles may interest your partner more than they do to you. Hence, personal taste should be known beforehand.

3. SELECT THE BAND YOU WANT YOUR DIAMOND IN

Traditionally, the setup of stone was encased in either white gold or yellow gold. However, the modern couples are opting for platinum as well as rose gold bases. Silver is also an option, although it looks similar to platinum but is relatively cheaper. Platinum is denser and rarer. The band should complement the cut and the style to make a fine engagement ring. Think of it as a centerpiece surrounded by a lovely setting. The flush of the diamond should not be overbearing on the band. One must also make a decision whether to include stones in the band itself as that can raise the price quotient.

4. TAKE MEASUREMENTS PRECISELY

It is no surprise that this is the most basic and mandatory requirement. However, with so much going on at the back of your mind, it might slip to take the actual measurement of your partner’s finger. It is not wise to take approximate measures or to assume the ring size. The ring isn’t an ordinary expense and thus, it should not be bought in haste or just to fulfill the purpose of the day. But if you’re planning the question as a surprise, it might not be the best idea to ask your partner a straightforward question regarding the size. If you’re both going together, you can get measured at the jewelry shop, but otherwise, you can take the desired measurements at the shop and tell someone who you think your partner may take along or ask your measurements from. This way, you will be in a win-win situation. It is always favorable if a couple has exchanged a promise ring earlier. That way, the size is already recorded with the jewelers.

5. GET CLARITY OF BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF THE DIAMOND

A true gem knows what they should be looking for in a gem. Although it is not important that a piece of certificate or grade should be the sole factor while deciding on a ring, it is important to have the knowledge of good quality diamonds. The experts suggest the 4 Cs method.

Cut: The cut is the decider of the overall beauty of the diamond. A personal preference should be known and only the cut that refines the diamond shall be chosen for the engagement ring.

Color: The color is an important determinant of the price of the diamond. One must be careful in selecting as what pleases the eye may not please the pockets. There is also an option of picking a color from the G-I range as the colorlessness is similar to that of the high category. The diamond will appear the same color to the naked eye as one from the D-F range, but it will naturally cost a lot less.

Clarity: The best value of the diamond can be witnessed in VS1 and VS2 clarity range. It is the camouflaging range which does not appear to show the blemishes and inclusions at all. They are not noticeable in these grades.

Carat: The three other Cs are more important to be fulfilled than the carat. A beautifully cut diamond has more presence than a shabby cut big carat. However, the bigger the better. So after getting other criteria finalized, one can find the biggest carat available in the budget range.

One should not be scared of going bold on rings. A previously bought promise ring can save you the hassle of guesswork on the taste and size. Diamonds carrying interesting backstories are also in demand this season. Check out some of the best engagement rings with your nearest jeweler.